“From greening to governance”: Jamal Hakim’s “comprehensive vision” for Docklands

Docklands resident, Lord Mayoral candidate and current councillor Jamal Hakim has outlined his agenda for postcode 3008 should he be elected following October’s City of Melbourne local government elections. 

Outlining his 10-point plan specifically for Docklands, Cr Hakim said he wanted to reinforce his dedication to the area with a series of commitments aimed at improving public spaces, community infrastructure, and transport management. 

Headlining his agenda is a push to green Harbour Esplanade in the interim until long-term plans for the strip are finalised by Development Victoria (DV) through “tactical urbanism” initiatives. 

Like the current Good Cycles shed and pop-up park at Yanonung Quay, tactical urbanism is a planning approach based on a low-cost, temporary change to the built environment intended to test ideas and improve local neighbourhoods.

While the City of Melbourne doesn’t claim authority over the entirety of Harbour Esplanade, which was the subject of a master plan completed in 2016, Cr Hakim said the creation of a temporary “green belt” could be achieved in collaboration with DV. 

The current condition of the strip has been the subject of criticism for a lack of green space, amenities and shade protection for some time, and Cr Hakim said, if elected, he would ensure it receives urgent attention. 

“Harbour Esplanade will receive much-needed shade infrastructure to improve pedestrian comfort and walkability, especially along key walking routes from Southern Cross Station,” Cr Hakim said. 

In another signature announcement, Cr Hakim said the greening of Harbour Esplanade would serve as the backbone for a new arts trail connecting NewQuay to Yarra’s Edge, with rotating public art installations, live performances and cultural activities. 

Team Hakim’s Deputy Lord Mayoral candidate and renowned arts and planning leader Esther Anatolitis said the arts trail would “unite the different parts of Docklands, creating a vibrant corridor of culture and community.”

Team Hakim also wants to amend the Docklands Act 1991 to ensure new private developments include public space requirements and says it will continue to push for the transfer of powers from DV to the City of Melbourne. 

Other commitments in the 10-point plan for Docklands include a “traffic management overhaul”, family-friendly initiatives that improve accessibility, more public toilets, shopping trolley wheel lock enforcement, preserving maritime heritage, curating local businesses to “fill gaps in the community’s needs” and continuing to build community and events through ongoing work with the Docklands Stakeholder Group. 

As part of his push for the AFL and DV’s redevelopment of Marvel Stadium’s waterfront edge, Cr Hakim said he also wanted to see the establishment of a new community centre for Docklands. 

“As Docklands continues to grow, I’m committed to creating a dedicated community centre to provide a social, recreational, and event space for residents,” Cr Hakim said. 

“This will be a focal point for fostering connections among Docklands’ diverse and expanding community.”

These initiatives align with Team Hakim’s broader platform for making Melbourne a greener, more connected, and more liveable city for all. By addressing Docklands-specific needs, we’re committed to ensuring that this vibrant precinct continues to evolve in a way that benefits both its current and future residents.

Team Hakim’s councillor ticket will be led by Carlton-based architect and North Melbourne resident Michael Smith in the number one position, with West Melbourne resident and finance expert Lawrence Lam in the second spot. •